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Google surprised the world with its annoucement that it is buying US smartphone and tablet computer maker Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in cash in a bid to extend the reach of its Android platform. Google believes that the new combination will supercharge Android, enhance competition, and offer wonderful user experiences. The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.
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Sony Ericsson announced the Middle East launch of Xperia mini pro, a feature-rich and compact smartphone that is built on the success of the original mini-series. The versatile smartphone offers a complete multimedia entertainment experience and instant communication functionalities. Xperia mini pro enables access to over 250,000 apps on the Android Market and has a three-inch scratch-resistant, multi-touch glass screen. The improved user interface allows the display of up to 16 apps on the home screen. Read More…

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Optimus Academy, the channel enablement division of Optimus Technology and Telecommunications, held its first Avaya Aura Unified Communications implementation training for its channel partners in Dubai. This training program, an initiative of Optimus Academy along with Global Knowledge – the worldwide leader in IT and business skills training, is in line with the Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist (ACIS) certification and will enable partners to deploy and configure IP telephony solutions across the different Avaya Enterprise IP Telephony platforms.Read More…

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NEC announced the availability of its virtualized unified communications and contact center solution with latest release of Business ConneCT, that ooffers enriched Unified Communications, Contact Center and Operator Attendant functionality, while the support of virtual environments based on VMware vSphere and Marathon everRun MX helps customer organisations to increase availability and utilize their IT resources more efficiently. Business ConneCT (BCT) is proven and appreciated in a multitude of deployments around the globe and is available as one fully integrated solution across the full range of NEC’s UNIVERGE SV8000 and iS3000/SIP@Net communication platforms.Read More…

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du recently was honoured with the esteemed International Business Green IT award by the Ontario Centres of Excellence (Canada), for their significant award-winning ‘Green’ security project, which was created and implemented by the du Technology Security and Risk Management (TSRM) team. The prestigious award recognised du’s meaningful contribution towards a greener technology solution while maintaining a highly scalable cutting edge security technology. The impressive award, received by Walid Kamal, Senior Vice President, Technology Security & Risk Management, du, on behalf of the company security team, was presented by Hindal Mirza, Senior Business Development Manager of the Ontario Centres of Excellence. Read More…

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Huawei Technologies launched the Huawei Authorised Learning Partner (HALP) programme in partnership with Stage 2 Learning Solutions, a certified division under Al Khaleej Group, currently one of the Middle East’s largest leading independent education and training centres. The Huawei Authorized Learning Partner (HALP) programme will provide training and certification specifically in Internet Protocol (IP) and Datacom technology. The training aims to equip technical engineers and experts with specific technical skills including the application, installation, configuration and troubleshooting of Datacom and IP technology.
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Thuraya, the international mobile satellite services operator, unveiled a specialised suite of solutions aimed at offering all the functionality of satellite communication, indoors. Banishing the myth that satellite communications are an outdoor offering, Thuraya’s range of products is specifically designed for indoor use. Compatible with Thuraya XT, the world’s toughest satellite handheld, the portfolio includes a Fixed Docking Unit (FDU), Fixed Phone and Indoor Repeaters. Built in consideration of Thuraya’s key market segments: government, oil and gas, mining, construction, NGOs and maritime, the holistic offerings allow instant set-up of remote offices in areas where there is little or no terrestrial coverage.
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Nokia Siemens Networks, announced the appointment of Hazim Al-Rawi as the new Head of Sub-region East. He will be responsible for the development of the Company’s business and operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Syria. Jorg Erlemeier, Head of Middle East, Nokia Siemens Networks, said: “Hazim is an outstanding addition to our senior leadership team in the Middle East. His deep customer insight and strong combination of Technical, Services, and Business Development skills will be pivotal to further grow our business in Sub-region East.
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Zain Group, today announced the appointment of Ahmad Al Hanandeh as CEO of Zain Jordan. The appointment follows the departure of Dr Abdul Malek Al Jaber who ended his two-year contract as CEO of Zain Jordan and has decided to dedicate his immediate future to his family while pursuing personal business interests. Dr Al Jaber also relinquishes his role as Zain Group Chief Operations Officer. Ahmad, comes to Zain Jordan with an impressive professional track record, having joined as Chief Financial Officer of the successful Zain Sudan mobile operation in March 2011. Read More…

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UAE service provider du has signed a three-year contract with for network support and optimisation services, to support existing and future network infrastructure growth. The contract has been financed through attractive finance terms arranged by (Dubai) Limited and provides with a predictable and optimised TCO over three years. Hatem Bamatraf, Senior Vice President of Network Development, Du, said, “We continue to strive to provide our customers with the best possible service, by constantly improving our network infrastructure. Read More…

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In: Africa Focus, Features, News, Telecom

South African-based First National Bank (FNB) is seeing a rapid uptake of its cellphone banking services in Africa. According to the bank, it has recorded year-on-year growth of 376% in Zambia, 277% in Botswana, 204% in Namibia and 473% in Swaziland. Danny Zandamela, CEO of FNB Africa says: “When we introduced our cellphone banking solution into other African countries, sceptics were not convinced by this channel as being a successful financial offering. However, the numbers are seeing confirmation that the African continent is actually an ideal market for mobile banking services.”Read More…

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Schneider Electric announced the successful installation of first Tier IV data centre with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Saudi Arabia. STC has always been a front runner in keeping pace with the emerging technologies in the telecommunications sector to satisfy the ever growing needs of their customers. Its goal has always been to provide the highest quality service at affordable prices. This strong commitment for customer satisfaction ensures that they are up-to-date with advances in technology. This prompted their decision to go for a Tier IV technology-led data centre.Read More…